Grand Floridian, Too "Hoighty-Toighty"?

[BellsFam]

I am seriously looking at booking the GF, my first choice would have been Poly, but not with construction...I'm not sure how I feel about the Contemp. but I'm seriously wondering if the GF is a bit to "much" for my family?

To us it's "grand luxury" and I'm afraid we won't "fit in"...

 

[carlbarry]

I stayed at the Villas at the Grand Floridian last December. No one was wearing tuxedos or evening gowns
It is a Disney resort like any other.

 

[DebbieB]

I am seriously looking at booking the GF, my first choice would have been Poly, but not with construction...I'm not sure how I feel about the Contemp. but I'm seriously wondering if the GF is a bit to "much" for my family?

To us it's "grand luxury" and I'm afraid we won't "fit in"...

If you are talking about the villas, there is no "grand lobby" like the main building, I wouldn't be concerned. I stopped in to look at it when I was there in November, hardly anyone was around.

GF was the first resort I stayed at and I always loved it. Stayed there again when my mom and I took my niece in 1999, right before I bought DVC. I always said GF would be the only place that would make me want to sell my BWV but when it actually happened, the price was ridiculous so it didn't make sense. I got a studio reservation at 7 months for May, can't wait!

I noticed your signature says possible 9/2014. It's going to be difficult to get under 7 months.

 

[PlainJane]

While I've never stayed there, I've visited the resort numerous times to eat and shop. I grew up going to the Grand Floridian Cafe for dinner. That's possibly why I've never felt out of place. I've never had a CM or a guest treat me like I didn't belong there either.

Really, you can't make too many assumptions about a persons net worth based on where they stay in Disney World. One of my friends had parents that did quite well for themselves, and they always stayed in the values.

 

[minnie mum]

None of the Disney resorts are grand luxury hotels. Just expensive. If you want luxury go to the Four Seasons. You don't have to be one of the 1% to fit in at any Disney deluxe resort. You only need room in your budget. Your money is just as good as anyone else's. You can't tell if a guest has saved for years to afford their stay, or if it's a trifle for them.

 

[drew64]

It is a very nice, themed Disney hotel - no more no less.

It is full of convention goers and families in t-shirts and shorts heading to theme parks.

 

[mickeynut1]

We visited the GF many times prior to our first stay and while we never thought we would stay there as we thought the resort felt "stuffy", my feelings completely changed after our first stay. The GF is a beautiful resort and is just as fun and kid friendly as any of the other resorts. With that said, I am glad we finally gave the GF a try because even though the Poly will always be our favorite, he GF ranks a very close second. If it's within your budget, I say give the GF a try as it really is a great resort.

 

[BellsFam]

Thanks...the comments do make me feel better...

We would not be staying in the DVC portion, but for us a MK view is less expensive there than the Contemp...

 

[gogo]

OP, if you are considering the GF it is a lovely resort. I believe you can encounter snooty people whether guests or CM's at any level of resort. I wouldn't let that stop me from staying where I wanted. Even though the lobby is elegant it is filled with tourists. Most are very casually dressed with kids and strollers because you are at a theme park. But, I will relay an experience I had because your post reminded me of it.

I stayed at the GF in January in a club level room in the main bldg. (Royal Palm Club). I've stayed at all level of resorts and at the GF many years ago. But, I never stayed in the main bldg. and it was on my wish list.

We had a lovely trip but I did encounter what I would consider a not so professional situation one morning. We checked in early afternoon and the next morning in the club lounge there were 3 women cm's standing around. The lounge was empty because it was early. The women were directly behind me as I was getting something to eat. I clearly heard them say they didn't recognize me. I heard one say I've never seen her before. There was no greeting or anything. I felt this was rude and possibly a bit snooty.

Looking back, I'm surprised I didn't turn around and respond. Guess I was just happy to be at Disney.

 

[MillauFr]

All Disney Parks, Hotels, Cruise Ships cater to the masses even the expensive ones. If you want a true luxury experience you need to look elsewhere.

 

[HairyChest]

If you read carefully about peoples impressions of the grand floridian , you will notice the people who feel its too "stuffy" are the people whom have never stayed there, only visited.

Ill be trying it for the first this may even though i never had considered staying there. Since my fave the poly is under construction i decided on the grand


Nothing will beat being on the 7 seas lagoon, monorail, bright rooms, beach, and walkway to the poly.

 

[Sue M]

We did a split stay last August GF & YC. I only booked GF 2 nights, and after our last night, wished we had booked more nights there. Really enjoyed it.

 

[yankeepenny]

you would be surprised at Who stays Where in the WDW. I have seen the 800 shoes and 2K handbags at all the resorts. Don't let the prices intimidate you.
It is a nice place, but by outside Hotel standards certainly not in the same 5 star class. It has some decent restaurants, and many feel the location, regardless of the price is worth it. The can afford it but won't pay it stay elsewhere. Go, stay and have a good time. Folks have different reasons for the places they stay. Many who barely spend time in a room would rather not spend extra on it. Some would rather spend it on other things, or multiple trips. And, snotty and jerky and stuffy folks come in all tax brackets!


To each his own, and have fun!

 

[rosiegmendez]

It's beautiful! I think it's pretty disney and reminds me of Main Street. It also reminds me of the Hotel Del Coronado which is an old Victorian resort on the best beach in San Diego. Very old fashioned beach americana style.

For our last trip we stayed AoA/POR and visited the GF and we were hooked! Just booked VGF for January. Cant wait!

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[IDreamofPoly]

I had previously been dead set on not staying at the GF ever, but when my in-laws came with us to WDW last October, they wouldn't stay anywhere else.

After staying there, club level, I too feel hooked. It wasn't stuffy at all, IMHO, and there were all walks of life there.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[mousefan73]

None of the Disney resorts are grand luxury hotels. Just expensive. If you want luxury go to the Four Seasons. You don't have to be one of the 1% to fit in at any Disney deluxe resort. You only need room in your budget. Your money is just as good as anyone else's. You can't tell if a guest has saved for years to afford their stay, or if it's a trifle for them.

Couldnt have said it better.. Also I find nothing in Florida hoighty-toighty... A state where people where shorts and flipflops to "fine dining" restaurants..

 

[Gary M]

We stayed at the Royal Palm Club during December, 2012. We have also stayed at the GF nine other times since 1992. We have never found the GF to be snooty. CM's have been great. We usually stay at the WL, but the GF is our next favorite. We have also stayed at Poly, AKL, BWI, YC and POR.

 

[quigs3]

My daughter and I stayed there last fall and had a wonderful time! I was a little fearful that there may be some snobbiness and glances at us as if we didn't belong, but there were absolutely none! The resort is truly lovely, and I'd stay there again in a heartbeat!

 

[darbry]

This is a great thread. I have never stayed at GF but have always visited. In my mind I feel like the little dirty kid on Charlie Brown cause it's so white in there. But I walk around with my head held high thinking I'm good enough for this place. Lol. It's all a state of mind.

 

[jeffbear]

Too fancy? Goodness no. It's not my architectural cup of tea, but the Grand Flo is just another very nice WDW deluxe hotel.